New York’s 83rd Macy’s Parade

Thanksgiving day in New York City this year was suprisingly warm and clear. So the 83rd Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was a success.

11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month

In 1918, an armistice was signed in “the war to end all wars”, in essence, a truce on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The World War I involved 35 countries that span from 1914 to 1918. The United States fought from 1917 to 1918. It is not until 1954, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill to proclaim November 11th as Veterans’ Day–honoring those who had serve America in all wars.

Every year, NYC celebrates the day with a parade along 5th Avenue from 26th to 56th Street. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, fresh from his re-election win last November 3rd and serving his third-term, attended the celebration along with Tony Curtis. This year the event was highlighted by the presence of the Navajo Code Talkers, which used the secret Navajo language as Marines in World War II. Their contributions were instrumental in winning the war. The Navajo language, an ancient language, is not only an unwritten language but it is also extremely complicated. Thus, he Navajo code talkers played a significant role in the success of the Allied Forces in the Pacific because the Japanese were not able to deciper the code. Major Howard Connor, 5th Marine Division signal officer stated, “Were it not for the Navajos, the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima.”

It is a very important day for me, as a citizen and a veteran, to reflect and remember the sacrifices of men and women of the armed forces. We should give thanks for time of peace and remember those wore and those who continue wearing the uniform to protect your rights as citizens of the United States. Please honor the veterans not just today but every day. Thank you and God bless America.

World champs in the BronXXVII

Congratulations New York Yankees!

It took 27 years in the making and on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 the New York Yankees claimed the 27th World Series win with a 7-3 victory over the Phillies in Game 6 of the World Series.

On Friday, November 9, 2009, streets of New York were packed with people to celebrate the event with a ticket-tape parade. All the players and their families wave to the crowd from Battery Park up to the Broadway’s Canyon of Heroes. Subsequently, Mayor Bloomberg presented keys to the city to all the players. Yogi Berra and Reggie Jackson were also in attendance.

I am not a sports fan but I am really proud of the accomplishments of the team. It is truly special!

2009 ING New York City Marathon

In its 40th year, the 2009 New York City Marathon kicked off at 8:30 AM today with light drizzle and temperatures near 50 and winds were around 14 mph. We arrived at 67th Street and Central Park near Tavern on the Green. The race is the world’s largest with nearly 22,000 runners from over 100 countries and draws 100,000 applicants annually. We were among the 2 million spectators that filled the sidewalks cheering the runners. This year the first Ethiopian woman to claim first prize is Derartu Tulu which finished the 26.2 mile course in 2:28:52. For the men’s division, the first prize goes to Meb Keflezighi, the first American to win the NYC marathon since 1982, at 2:09:15. Among the notable celebrities who participated the marathon this year were Anthony Edwards from ER, Edward Norton and Alanis Morissette.

Enjoy the video!

New Yorker’s Top 10 Personal Violations

Every morning, I grab a copy of the Metro newspaper (www.metro.us/us/home/). It is one of the daily newspapers in NYC written and designed for a fast-paced lifestyle because you could read all the news in 20-minutes! And did I mention that it is FREE?

The other day, it published an article of the top 10 personal violations. Here are the violations:

1. Stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to a.) light cigarette b.) text c.) look at map
2. Absurdly large backpack or umbrella
3. Spreading legs to take 2 seats on subway
4. Walking four abreast in police riot blocker mode
5. iPod volume loud enough for all to hear
6. Leaving six feet in front of you for the person who is ahead of you in line so that everyone else in Duane Reade has to wait in the lipstick aisle
7. Full body lean against subway pole
8. Clipping/filing nails on the subway
9. Dog’s leash so long it nearly trips pedestrians
10. Your bag gets a seat on the subway but I don’t

I agree with the list 100% and I agree most on number 4 when people walking four abreast in slow motion mode. Argh, especially when I am in a hurry!#$%!

Safety in New York

New York City is one of the safest places to be. However, anywhere you go, you should be aware of your surroundings and here are some safety tips that you could follow to have an enjoyable stay in New York:

Walking the streets
Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid looking like a tourist by opening maps in the middle of the street. Try to find a private place to read your maps and organize your belongings. At night, avoid business areas because they become desolate and stick to main streets and tourist areas. If you feel lost, just ask any New Yorkers for directions. They would gladly give your directions.

Taking a cab
Never, never ride in an unmarked taxicabs! They are unlicensed, unregistered and perhaps illegal taxicabs. They will take you for a ride, literally! Always take a yellow cab–they are over 12,000 yellow cabs in New York City so you could take your pick. If taking a cab is not within your budget, you could always take the subway.

Subways
New York City has 8.3 million people. So if you include tourists and commuters in the surrounding areas of Connecticut, New Jersey and Philadelphia, a typical commuting day could be very chaotic. An average weekday has a ridership of 5.2 million. So the trains could be very, very crowded any day of the week. They look like cans packed with sardines! Just as you are on the streets, you should be aware of your surroundings when riding the subways. Keep your wallet in your front pocket and bags in front. When standing, if possible, hold the handrails with both your hands so you will have your stability when the train makes a stop. When walking the subways stairs, walk up the right side of the stairs. If taking the subway late at night, stand near the “During off hours trains stop here” sign. Ride in cars with more people and preferably in the conductor’s car (you will see him look out the window of the train when it stops).

So please be safe and have a nice time in New York!

Fall in New York City

If someone would asked me when is fall in New York, I would answer:

- When the humidity is gone
- When temperature is in the 40s
- When the leaves are changing colors from green to brown
- When women wear UGG boots instead of flips flops
- When dogs and owners have matching sweaters
- When doorsteps are adorned with pumpkins and mums

Pumpkins and Mums

Governors Island

The Governors Island is open to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 30 through October 11 for the 2009 season. There are events, activities and performances planned for every weekend. The ferry ride and admission to Governors Island are FREE!

The Governors Island is a former military post and visiting the island definitely brings memories from days in military bases. Being a former military post, it had roles in the Revolutionary War and every other major U.S. military engagements from War of 1812 to the Gulf War. It is unique because it is a stones throw distance from the financial capital of the world, and yet it had a fell of being a suburban town.

We are few of the lucky New Yorkers because of our proximity to Manhattan. The ride on the N, R Train to Whitehall Street is 10 minutes away from us and the ride from Manhattan to Governor’s Island is a sweet 5-minute ride!

I always enjoy the 2-mile car-free biking along the Esplanade. You can understand why from watching this video. Enjoy the Island!

2009 NYC German-American Steuben Parade

In the United States, the month of September is filled with holidays celebrating Von Steuben–the German-American event of the year. Participants march, dance, wear German costumes and play German music, and the event is attended by millions of people. The largest event is in my town: NYC! Every year thousands of people celebrate the Annual German-American Steuben Parade in New York City, which is traditionally followed by a Volksfest (People’s Festival) in Central Park as well as celebrations in Yorkville, Manhattan, a traditionally German section of New York City. If you happen to be in NYC in September, come by on Fifth Avenue between 68th and 86th Avenues. For the best seats in the house, come to the steps of the Metropolitan Museum on Fifth and 82nd Street.

The day was perfect for a parade, with crystal clear skies and mild temperature.

Crowd in front of the Metropolitan Museum

Marching band leading the parade

German Bundeswehr

Burgerschutzenverein Schloss Neuhaus

King and Queen

Parade Participants

NYC Block Parties

Every summer in NYC, streets could be closed off and locals could enjoy their blocks free from cars. It is a chance for neighbors to meet and greet and get to know one another. In New York City, it is possible to not know and see your neighbors in years! I met a man on the elevator and when I asked him if he is new in the building, he replied, “Oh why yes, I just moved here 25 years ago!” Our friends invited us to their block party and we had a great time!

You don't have to worry about your children playing on the streets!

Block Party II

My friend taking a picture of me taking her picture!

Last weekend, our street had a block party. It was a nice feeling walking in the middle of the streets. The crowds came and gathered around watching a local theater performed for FREE!

Block Party

A local theater group performs for the crowd

Crowd looks on

The group bows, the crowd applauds.